Hoovler announces guilty plea in theft of parade funds

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Lynn T. Simpson, 43, of Wallkill pled guilty in Orange County Court to grand larceny in the third degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Wallkill, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. At the time that she pled guilty, Simpson admitted to embezzling the funds while acting as the fire company’s financial secretary and co-chair of the parade committee. As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay the stolen funds.

As explained by Hoovler’s announcement, “the Washington Heights Fire Company was scheduled to host a parade on September 23, 2023, that was to include the participation of 35 other fire companies. As a result of the embezzlement by Simpson the parade had to be cancelled 11 days prior to the event.”

An investigation by the New York State Police found that, in her role as the fire company financial secretary, Simpson had access to the fire company’s bank accounts and allegedly stole approximately $17,947 in cash. Simpson allegedly stole the funds from the fire company’s parade bank account by utilizing a debit card to make 83 unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals.

Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of Simpson.

“Firefighters, both volunteer and paid, bravely place their lives on the line to protect our lives and property, and the community shows their appreciation by supporting local volunteers and attending parades,” said Hoovler. “This defendant’s actions in stealing money from a volunteer fire company is reprehensible and unfair not only to the brave men and women who unselfishly serve as firefighters, but also to the community who were robbed of an opportunity to show their appreciation. Volunteer fire departments in Orange County have long stood as a rallying point of community pride. I thank the New York State Police for their investigation into the theft of these funds, and my office will continue to prosecute those who steal from volunteer and charitable organizations.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda M. Bettinelli.